New Music Releases — July 2014

You can't deny that some of your favorite rappers and singers have delivered a steady stream of good music this year. Just check our lists of the Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs of 2014 (So Far). Will July offer more of the same? Let's find out.

One of the month's first releases comes from Robin Thicke, who created an album-long apology to estranged wife Paula Patton titled 'Paula.' The tracklist blatantly refers to the drama of their split and the lead single (and video) for 'Get Her Back' caused more eye-rolling than sympathizing. Fans will see if Thicke's mission leads to a solid effort on July 1.

The more positively received Trey Songz is releasing his album on the same day. 'Trigga' will feature the likes of Nicki Minaj, Ty Dolla $ign, Justin Bieber and Juicy J, so there may be more bangers that could match the success of his hit 'Na Na.'

On the less romantic side of things, Lil Boosie is set to release his first album since being released from jail earlier this year. The Louisiana rapper said 'Touchdown 2 Cause Hell' is going to be the best double album since Tupac Shakur's 'All Eyez On Me,' so the man is definitely ambitious. The project is due July 15.

Common's 'Nobody's Smiling,' his first release since 2011's 'The Dreamer/The Believer,' is inspired by his hometown of Chicago's urban strife, and the lead-in singles reflect that. The anticipated album, which features eight different covers, arrives July 22.

E-40's 'Sharp On All 4 Corners Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4,' Krayzie Bone's 'Chasing the Devil' and Cormega's 'Mega Philosophy' round out the releases to look forward to in July.